Faculty Commitment to Retention
Faculty has a lot of course preparation to deal with. Yes, retention is important. However, the main role a faculty should have to play is identifying the at risk students and inform the right personnel. This should be done if the problem the student is having might affect them academically.
Betsy, do you feel that your students have the tools that they need to become a better student? Is there a procedure to add tools to the list of those that are available?
I have often agreed with this perspective, but I also feel that our role as instructors extends further into motivation and assisting students in managing the stresses IF it has to do with techniques in studying or organizing course material. I do agree that we are not necessarily equipped to know how to assist students with many of their issues, and then a referral is the best option. Often students can be helped with some tools on how to be a better student - and we should be able to help them with that.
I have seen this happen with new instructors. They feel the way to be accepted by their students is by getting very involved in their personal issues. I do not think this is a good policy. trying to give proper guidance during class breaks is not enough time so identify students who have issue not related to their course and refer them to the student services department so that they can assist them further. Then follow up often with the student on how things are going. We have a classroom full of students who also need our attention.
Many students find it difficult to compartmentalize their academic and personal lives. Thus, instructors are often find themselves drawn into personal issues that impact academic performance. Proper training to recognize the problems and a strong, accessible system of support services are important to make an instructor's job easier.
The key word here is academically. The instructor would be directly in contact with the academic status of the student and see the danger coming based upon their work.
I agree with Odette on this, but sometimes that extra minute or two after class or on a break with that struggling student can only help. Yes it is true we need to identify those to the right personnel. The sooner this is done the better. I have found sometimes that if those personnel are busy or in a meeting, that those few moment with a struggling student can make a big difference.
I agree the main job of instructors is to teach, but a part of teaching in being aware of the whole student. The instructor is the first line of defense since the instructor and student spend the majority of the day together. I feel the instructor has developed a rapport with the student and the student would be more receptive toward them offering suggestions. My instructors will bring a student who is struggling academically to me set up tutoring for them. If transportation is an issue sometimes we can find a follow classmate to give them a ride.
Penny, what are some signs you look for to determine if a student is taking advantage?
I like to engage with my students, but at times I feel like some students may be taking advantage of instructors "good hearts". There definately is a fine line there.
I try to let my students know that employers value loyalty, dependability, good attitude and determination. So, you don't always need to be the sharpest knife in the drawer. Just do the best you can! This seems to help encourage some of the students to keep trying.
Thank you, Vida. Don't get discouraged. Keep up the good work.
I agree. Unfortunately, I have seen some of my co-workers take things personally and feel it is not their place to "baby the student". I have seen the difference it makes when we reach out to a student and to see them turn around and light up and become excited about school again. As opposed to those who the instructor did the very minimal required "their job" the student barely gets to the end and then quits right before externship or during externship. It drives me crazy, because at that point no matter how hard I try to save them and get them to see how proud I am of them and how they have stuck to their committment, to them they are only empty words. So glad I'm taking this course. It is great to know that I am doing some things right and to see what an impact we can have on someone's life with positive feedback. I can't wait to complete the course.
Absolutely. It is also helpful to make sure students are placed in the correct area of training. Not everyone is a brain surgeon.
